Flite Test Builder's Box Prototype

by thepontificatingpilot | September 4, 2013 | (11) Posted in Just Fun

Being the newbie I am, I had a heck of a time collecting all of the parts necessary to build and fly these airplanes. I feel that this is a major problem for the industry and here is my solution, the "Flite Test" Builder's Box prototype. FYI, Flite Test is in no way associated with this product prototype. Maybe one day, fingers are crossed, but at this point there is no affiliation between us. I am only using their name merely as a product example. Now, if you guys feel that this would be a good product please let me know by leaving me a comment. Also, please let me know if there is anything else that you would put in this product. My hope is that this product would reduce the amount of time spent reading a computer screen trying to figure out which products we need and increase time spent outside flying. Anything that increases flying time is good.

Here is the actual box. It comes with a large top area for large items and a shelving system that holds four individual boxes.

Here is what the large compartment on the top looks like. This is where you would store large tools such as a glue gun, screw drivers, allen wrenches, pliers, cutting dikes, straight edges (ruler), soldering iron, alligator clips, second set of hands tool, clamps, etc. The toy car mat in the background will not be included, unless of course you specifically request it.

I have the first tray in the rack system setup this way. Beginning at the top left we have prop savers, motors, motor mounts, props, linkage stoppers, servos, esc, 3.5mm bullet connectors, xt60 connectors, battery charger with cables, and batteries.

The second tray is setup this way; razor blade, exacto knife, second set of hands tool, Velcro, shrink tubing, electrical tape, soldering iron, and alligator clips.

Tray number 3 has three different sizes of zip ties, push rods, hot glue sticks, rubber bands, popsicle sticks, bbq squires, and rudder and aileron throw gages.

Tray 4 has not been customized. Let me know what you would like to see in box four.

Alright guys, that about raps it up. Please let me know if you would be interested in purchasing a product like this.

COMMENTS

Formori on September 12, 2013
I have a similar thing done (using almost the same Plano box!) and my 4th drawer has spare parts like misc bolts, nuts, washers, control horns, barbecue skewers, replacement tri arms, landing gear parts, and a few small misc.

Also, in the top portion I have my transmitter in a separate case so I have all of my LiPo's for various RC vehicles in a large LiPo bag for transport. I don't like the idea of leaving my $$$ Tx'er in just a plastic shell, and I really don't like storing LiPo's in anything flammable (I'm a little paranoid about that, but I feel it's justified since I've had a pack explode in my RC boat for no apparent reason).

Excellent article and maybe FT will make a kit to put up in the shop? Other places have pre-build toolkits but nothing half as good as this!
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thepontificatingpilot on September 17, 2013
Thank you for your feedback. Puting additonal spare parts in the fourth draw is a good idea. Also, could you please let me know where I could find these pre-build toolkits, I would like to see them?
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spetnazer on September 27, 2013
Waowwwww....how can I get it?look great!

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NoUsername on September 12, 2013
Put a fridge in box four and fill it with snacks and soda!
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thepontificatingpilot on September 17, 2013
A fridge is a great idea. I'm thinking a compartment with liquid nitrogen and a fan to circulate the air. That should keep things cool while you're at the field.
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NickVolcom on September 16, 2013
Yes Please!
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thepontificatingpilot on September 17, 2013
Thank you for your reply, this helps me a lot. If anyone else would be interested in such a product a simple "Yes Please!" reply will help me determine if there is sufficient demand for such a product. If there is I will take the next step by setting up a Kickstarter Project.
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wrench797 on September 22, 2013
Love the idea. Can you give us the Plano model number so we can google it? Also, I would like to see a foam liner in the top for the radio. I have a set up like that for my RC car but cars don't seem to "eat" as many parts (well, mine don't anyway) so the box is not nearly as big.
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ccrawford on September 15, 2013
I like this, and I'm going to go look for that Plano box to hold my junk. I'm thinking use the fourth drawer for the "grab and go" items for the field...some repair items, spare props, space for batteries and battery tester, zip ties, rubber bands, etc. May be a duplicate of some of the construction items and tools, but that way you don't need to lug the whole kit out for a quick fly.
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thepontificatingpilot on September 17, 2013
Try looking on Amazon for the box. Thank you for your suggestions on the fourth drawer. I like the drawer concept because like you said you can take what you want and leave the rest behind. Although I do have to say that every time I've left something behind I inevitably end up needing it so I've gotten in the habit of just bring the whole box with me every time I go fly.
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Crashandburn on September 30, 2013
I have a similar box but not as big or as many compartments. love it, need it, want it. I like to carry wire extentions and Y adapters along with 5 min apoxy, thread locker, hobby glue wood & foam safe, push rods, spinners & control horns. That might be a 4th drawer possibility.

You know the thing about setting up a tool/ field box is that there's so many variations dew to personal likings and the types of flyers/ rc model enthusiast. You should make up a couple basic models and leave the rest to the purchaser. or maybe you could have it to where the buyer selects the items to be in the box. Totally great idea 2 thumbs up
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the nerdling on September 21, 2013
cool, i have something like this for the field its an old video camera case that i cut sections out to fit my transmitter, charger, props, prop savers practically anything i need at the field
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Lotus88 on October 7, 2013
Oh Yeah I would buy one of these. In the bottom drawer I would suggest more tools such as screw drivers ect. Let me know when you are selling.
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Kurt0326 on October 10, 2013
Yes, please.
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Flite Test Builder's Box Prototype